All the NT’s unique rivers are now under threat as a result of this foolish and short-sighted decision.

The Environment Centre (ECNT) says that today’s announcement that the diversion of the McArthur River has been approved is indefensible on scientific, environmental, social or economic grounds.

ECNT Coordinator Peter Robertson said that any reading of the EPA’s reports and the scientific appendices to those reports shows that the proposed mine will make much worse the already significant ongoing pollution of the river and downstream marine environment.

“Nothing in Mines Minister Natt’s statement of today seriously addresses that pollution. The tailings dam and other parts of the mine will go on leaking increased levels of toxic materials into the groundwater and river. The diversion of this tropical river will cause severe erosion and sedimentation impacts.

“As the Chief Minister’s statement released today makes clear the approval was based purely on the alleged economic value of the mine – but even that justification is baseless.

“Exaggerated company-generated statistics about jobs and dollars fail to address four major economic costs of the mine:

1. The cost to the public of the ~$100 million energy subsidy (over 20 years);
2. The cost to the public of the millions of dollars lost annually due to non-payment of mineral royalties;
3. The cost to the public of containing toxic leakage and erosion from the mine over the next hundred years – which will far exceed any ‘rehabilitation bond’;
4. The cost to the regional economy of pollution-related impacts on the tourism and fishing-based industries of the Borroloola and Gulf region.

“We will continue to campaign against this toxic and destructive mine starting with a series of events planned next week involving Traditional Owners from Borroloola.”